Penne With Collards, Sausage, and Mushrooms: A Comforting One-Dish Meal
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Recipe Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 based on 5 reviews)
Calories per serving: 411.1
Description
This delightful recipe for Penne with Collards, Sausage, and Mushrooms is a wonderful adaptation inspired by the flavors of Southern Living, providing a perfect balance of hearty and nutritious ingredients. Featuring tender penne pasta combined with robust sausage, earthy collard greens, and savory mushrooms, this dish is as comforting as it is delicious. The type of sausage you choose is flexible; you can opt for any long-link smoked sausage that can be sliced into thin rounds, making it ideal for this recipe. For a lighter version, consider substituting with chicken or turkey sausage to keep it healthy without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Fresh mushrooms, sliced |
| 1 | Garlic cloves, minced |
| 2 | Tablespoons olive oil |
| 2 | Cans tomatoes seasoned with basil, garlic & oregano |
| 2 | Cups penne pasta |
| 1 | Cup Parmesan cheese, grated |
| 2 | Links smoked sausage, sliced |
| 1 | Bunch collard greens, chopped |
Nutritional Information
| Nutritional Component | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 411.1 |
| Total Fat | 17.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5.6 g |
| Cholesterol | 40.4 mg |
| Sodium | 497.6 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 51 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.6 g |
| Sugars | 0.8 g |
| Protein | 13.6 g |
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta
Begin by preparing the penne pasta according to the package directions. It’s essential to time this step so that the pasta is cooked and ready to incorporate into the dish by the end of the cooking process. Set it aside once it reaches the al dente stage. -
Brown the Sausage
In a large, deep pot, add the sliced smoked sausage and cook over medium-high heat until the pieces are browned on each side, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the sausage from the pot and drain off any excess fat that has rendered during cooking. -
Sauté the Vegetables
With the pot still on medium heat, add the olive oil. Once the oil is heated through, add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Stir constantly for a few minutes, allowing the mushrooms to become tender. Be cautious not to burn the garlic, as this can impart a bitter flavor to the dish. -
Combine Ingredients
After the mushrooms are tender, return the browned sausage to the pot. Next, add the chopped collard greens along with the Italian seasoning and the canned tomatoes (including their juices). Stir the mixture thoroughly to combine all the flavors. -
Simmer and Cook
Allow the mixture to cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step helps to meld the flavors together and soften the collard greens, ensuring they become tender but not overcooked. -
Toss with Pasta
Finally, add the cooked penne pasta to the pot. Gently toss all the ingredients together, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the sauce and vegetables. -
Serve
Serve the penne dish hot, garnishing each serving with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese to taste. The cheese adds a creamy richness that enhances the overall flavor of this delightful meal.
This Penne with Collards, Sausage, and Mushrooms is an easy-to-prepare, hearty one-dish meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with family and friends. Enjoy the rich flavors and the nourishing ingredients, making it a satisfying addition to your repertoire of beloved recipes.
